Is the Brueggers Bagels franchisor responsible for training employees at the franchisee's bakery?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| I am the managing member of | ("Company"). Company has signed |
|---|---|
| a Development Agreement and/or Franchise Agreement | with BRUEGGER'S FRANCHISE |
| CORPORATION. In consideration for the training to be provided to the Company's employees and me | |
| by BRUEGGER'S FRANCHISE CORPORATION and/or its affiliates (collectively "BFC") Company | |
| agrees to hold BFC harmless from, and hereby waives any and | all liability of BFC and its officers, |
| directors, agents, employees, insurers, and franchisees for, any injury, claim, damage or incident which | |
| occurs in the course of training at any Bakery or other designated training facility(s) owned or controlled | |
| by BFC, specifically including personal injury and property damage, and even if caused in whole or in | |
| part by the negligence of BFC or any BFC employee. |
- 8.3. Employer Responsibilities.
You have sole responsibility for all employment decisions and functions of the Bakery, including but not limited to those related to recruiting, hiring, firing, scheduling, training (other than the brand-specific training in Section 7
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for the training of their employees, though the franchisor does provide brand-specific training. The franchisee has sole responsibility for all employment decisions and functions at their Brueggers Bagels bakery. This includes recruiting, hiring, firing, scheduling, and general training of employees. However, the franchisor, Brueggers Franchise Corporation, may provide training to the franchisee's employees. If Brueggers Franchise Corporation does provide training to the franchisee's employees, the franchisee agrees to hold Brueggers Franchise Corporation harmless from any liability for any injury, claim, damage, or incident that occurs during the training. This includes personal injury and property damage, even if caused by the negligence of Brueggers Franchise Corporation or its employees.
This arrangement is typical in many franchise systems, where the franchisor provides initial and ongoing training on the brand's specific systems, products, and operational standards, while the franchisee manages the day-to-day employment and general training of their staff. The brand-specific training ensures consistency across all Brueggers Bagels locations, while the franchisee's role in employee management allows them to tailor their staffing and training to the specific needs of their bakery and local market.
Prospective Brueggers Bagels franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this division of responsibilities. While Brueggers Bagels provides brand-specific training, franchisees must be prepared to invest time and resources in developing and implementing their own employee training programs to cover all aspects of bakery operations. Additionally, franchisees should understand the liability implications associated with training provided by Brueggers Franchise Corporation and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage to protect their business.